Still, with a fastball that is regularly clocked at around 85 M.P.H., Maddux is a consistent winner that opposing players hate to see take the hill. Often called "The Maestro", Maddux repeatedly sends the game's best batsmen walking back to the dugout shaking their heads. How does he do it?

Let's travel back in time and see if we can put Maddux' career in perspective.

Maddux came up with the Cubs in 1986 and gave little indication that he was anything special. It didn't take long, however, for the right-hander to make his mark. Maddux began winning and he kept winning, putting together a string of seven successful seasons in Chicago that garnered him not only respect and fame, but a Cy Young Award as well.

Maddux signed with the Atlanta Braves in 1993 and, along with Tom Glavine and John Smoltz, became an integral part of the most solid and consistent rotation in baseball. Maddux pitched 11 years for the Braves, garnered another Cy Young Award and continued one of the most impressive streaks in baseball history.

Maddux won 15 games or more for 17 consecutive years. Talk about consistency and dependability. No hurler has ever come close to such an accomplishment. Maddux' streak came to an end last season, when he won only 14 games.

All the while, Maddux maintained a calm and generally self-effacing demeanor. He rarely claimed the spotlight and often deferred to his more outspoken and flamboyant teammates. Considered by players and managers alike as a class act, Maddux just quietly went about his business and, time after time, led his team to the post season.

After his stint with Atlanta, Maddux returned to the Cubs in 2004 and, true to form, has been the most consistent pitcher on the Chicago staff. His primary goal, according to Maddox, is to win a championship in Chicago. For all his success, Maddux has only tasted a World Championship once, in 1995 with the Braves.

What makes Maddux so special?

Businessmen are often heard to say that the key to any successful enterprise is "location, location, location." Maddux would say that the same is true for pitching.

Known for his ability to change speeds and put the ball exactly where he wants to, Maddux is the master of control. He can paint the corners of the plate at will, go in and out, up and down and, in general, make even the most adept hitter look foolish.

In fact, it is Maddux' ability to hit any spot he wants with a baseball that makes him arguably the best pitcher of his generation. Granted, Clemens has more flair and Johnson, at 6'10", is far more intimidating. Still, Maddux has been far more consistent.

One at-bat in last Friday's game typifies Maddux at his best. Down 3-0 to the Cardinals' Gary Bennett, Maddux came in with an 84 M.P.H. fastball, followed by a 78 M.P.H. changeup. Bennett stepped out of the box, adjusted his batting gloves, spit on the ground and stepped back in. Maddux grazed the outside corner with an 85 M.P.H fastball and Bennett sat down.

It is this kind of performance, time and time again, that has made Greg Maddux a joy to watch. I had the pleasure of seeing Maddux pitch in person on three occasions, twice in Florida against the Marlins and once in Atlanta against the Reds. Did I mention he won all three games?

Now another season is upon us and, at age 40, Maddux continues to shine. The crafty hurler is one of the main reasons the Cubs are off to a fast start, sweeping the Cardinals in three games this past weekend.

Whether or not Maddux will be able to keep the Cubbies in contention while Mark Prior and Kerry Wood heal is another story, however.

How many games do you figure Maddux will win this season? Will 2006 be his last hurrah? Stay tuned.